Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
This book is outstanding. A must read for female athletes, their coaches, parents, partners, and male teammates. I am not an elite runner but so much of the author’s experience resonates with mine. This book served as a call to action for me, and I am grateful that I made the time to read it.
Lauren Fleshman the top tier athlete came a bit before my time. Lauren Fleshman the author and advocate for female runners comes at the right time for me. I re-entered the sport this year and, as a "decent" man trying to run track in NYC, I've had the privilege of training with talented women, some of whom are nationally relevant while working full time jobs. As a track nerd who follows the sport from the high school ranks to the tippy top, there are certain things that male fans really don't ever address or harp on. At least, I don't, and the theme throughout this book is that there are a lot of female phenoms in America who get chewed up, spit out, and forgotten by a system that offers little-to-no meaningful support from high school through college and to the pro ranks. Some people I run with have alluded to these things, and I think Lauren's book provides great insight not only to men, but all relevant figures including parents, coaches, teammates, and athletes themselves.
The pacing of the book is excellent, and the editing is tight. Sometimes too tight. I actually got the impression that Lauren's editors unnecessarily minimized her accomplishments. More running scenes would have been nice, too, as I really enjoyed those passages. It might have been a bit cliche to have the book end as she was going for a run but I would have considered it if I was her. Absent messaging, this writing is very close to standing on its own.
My only critique is that the book was written in 2023 and the author, despite accusing multiple groups of being transphobic, completely avoids taking a stance on DSD or transgender athletes competing in women's sports. It's hypocritical because she admits to being on the wrong side of history in not standing up to Alberto Salazar and other sleazy industry people when it mattered, yet there is a platform here to say oh-and-by-the-way: "Did you know that there's a difference between DSD athletes and trans athletes? Probably not! Let me explain that. I'm not here to virtue signal. DSD and trans athletes have a place in our sport--in the men's field." Yet, no. We only get "transphobic" name-calling by someone who was fortunate enough to never get her doors blown off in a race against Caster Semenya, Mboma, or others. If the book was published two years ago, I would have understood it more, but with World Athletics wielding the research and now taking a more strict stance, this was a whiff.
However, I can get over this, and say it's probably the best running book you'll read this year.
The pacing of the book is excellent, and the editing is tight. Sometimes too tight. I actually got the impression that Lauren's editors unnecessarily minimized her accomplishments. More running scenes would have been nice, too, as I really enjoyed those passages. It might have been a bit cliche to have the book end as she was going for a run but I would have considered it if I was her. Absent messaging, this writing is very close to standing on its own.
My only critique is that the book was written in 2023 and the author, despite accusing multiple groups of being transphobic, completely avoids taking a stance on DSD or transgender athletes competing in women's sports. It's hypocritical because she admits to being on the wrong side of history in not standing up to Alberto Salazar and other sleazy industry people when it mattered, yet there is a platform here to say oh-and-by-the-way: "Did you know that there's a difference between DSD athletes and trans athletes? Probably not! Let me explain that. I'm not here to virtue signal. DSD and trans athletes have a place in our sport--in the men's field." Yet, no. We only get "transphobic" name-calling by someone who was fortunate enough to never get her doors blown off in a race against Caster Semenya, Mboma, or others. If the book was published two years ago, I would have understood it more, but with World Athletics wielding the research and now taking a more strict stance, this was a whiff.
However, I can get over this, and say it's probably the best running book you'll read this year.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
A super informative read. Especially important, I think, for anyone who works with or loves a female athlete. I think it was an important perspective while also being very clear about not being the only perspective. That Lauren clearly states throughout that we need more stories, more inclusion, and more exposure of women of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientation, and gender expression.
This book made me want to look for those others books too.
This book made me want to look for those others books too.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
It felt like Lauren was writing a biography while inserting giant scientific quotes and news articles in between. I think she has a really powerful story and I’m glad she told it— but I really didn’t enjoy her writing style. She came off as a very perfectionistic person to me (but like everyone’s different yada yada) and every time she spoke on a social justice issue the way she did it felt weird, like trying too hard and also not enough acceptance/recognition of white privilege… And back to the writing, it would’ve been a stronger story if the themes of her life and the ideas she was quoting connected better. Also, she spoke very clearly and consistently about specific people and issues, but other people and issues weren’t spoken about as much and it was very noticeable (I.e. the constant references to her dad being her number 1 supporter but nothing on her mom and nothing about her sister in the end?). I think it’s fair to not speak on things you’re not comfortable to yet. But also would have been nice to have some kind of established understanding with the reader like, “my relationship with my mom and sister is complicated, but I love and respect them so much,” the silence around them was so odd. Also so weird to read the part at the end about Mary Cain and how she wanted to speak to her and didn’t, how she wanted to tell Mary’s coach to stop yelling at her, but didn’t and then just left it as “yea I wish I would have” just feels a little icky— like if you’re gonna speak about it take ownership otherwise shut up. Same with all her “realizations” about feminism, racism, and lgbtq rights- like okay, but like own it! Don’t just bring up moments where you didn’t do anything and felt bad and then that’s it? Like I don’t feel sorry for you??? So weird to me that the editor would leave it that way.
But for all my dishing she was still is an incredible athlete and I’m really impressed with how much she’s done to make a difference for women in sports.
But for all my dishing she was still is an incredible athlete and I’m really impressed with how much she’s done to make a difference for women in sports.
recommend to any coach, parent of girls, girl athletes involved in athletics . It was insightful and brought to light the pressure and scary realities of athletics for women.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
slow-paced